I am looking at different travel options for the festive season, and thinking of taking the train to Boven from Cape Town. Has anyone done it, and how was the experience? in 2010 I did Pta to Boven with a bunch of children and no problems.

I've been told the train ride is a good option to take. A couple I met brought their motor bikes down from Gauteng on the train (they toured the Cape and then went back on the train again).
They said the trip was very relaxing.

As I see it there are 4 days to get to Boven from CTN: Car, Bus, Train, Plane. Everyone of them has draw backs, and benefits. For the purposes of this trip a bicycle doesn't count, but if I had a motor bike I'd probably go with that.

The train and the bus are the most comparable due to price and time, however I would much rather have my own bed and more packing space than being cooped up in a bus. Bus doesn't take you to Boven, meaning you need a Lowvelt express or some other expensive service for the last bit.

Car is expensive if your alone, and even with 4 its not that cheap- train will be probably be cheaper and again, you have more space in the train and more comfort, although having a car when you get there is hugely useful.

Flying either means an expensive ticket to Nespruit, or a longer transfer from JHB. Quick, but expensive that time of year. I suspect a low cost flight to
O R Thambo and a train across would probably be the winner between time and money.

For me the train wins, probably the biggest sacrifices are not having transport in Boven, and arriving in Boven at 2am.